Desert Exposure

06/27/2024

Fire damaged? Help is out there.

Jim McGarvey has worked at the Western NAPA Auto Parts store in the Village of Ruidoso for 46 years. Thirteen years ago, he and his wife Shelley bought the store. On June 17, though, the couple …

06/25/2024

What will they find?

Ruidoso residents returned to the village Monday after a week-long evacuation because of two major fires that destroyed parts of the community.

06/22/2024

Today in Tularosa the community gathered to organize and transfer donations for Ruidoso/Mescalero/Ruidoso Downs fire relief. Communities across southern New Mexico have been mobilizing similarly from Roswell to Carlsbad and Alamogordo to Las Cruces.
(Photos by Joan E. Price)

06/20/2024

Turn around, don't drown!

An intense storm brought a new twist Wednesday afternoon to the fire response efforts in Ruidoso: water rescues. Authorities emphasized the need to seek higher ground and touted the mantra …

06/19/2024

Disaster strikes in Lincoln National Forest

Two fires threatening the community of Ruidoso expanded Tuesday, damaging or destroying at least 500 structures and prompting a second evacuation order, this time for the neighboring City of Ruidoso …

06/18/2024

FIRE UPDATE

South Fork Fire

Update: This morning, the South Fork Fire is 13,921 acres and zero percent contained. An estimated 500 structures have been impacted by this fire. Crews worked together last night to stop the fire’s spread and providing structure protection where they could. Currently fire behavior is creeping, but a concern today is increased winds that could push the fire further to the east and the northeast.

Air resources will be active today for as long as it is safe to operate, working in tandem with ground resources from multiple agencies, including tribal, federal, state and local cooperators. This is a full suppression fire, and all available resources are responding to help secure line and perform point protection for homes in and around Ruidoso. Fire response will be broken up into three divisions that will work the fire’s south, east and northeast areas along the fire perimeter. Firefighter safety is a top priority.

Due to lack of cell service in the area, crews will work to set up communication lines. Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 – a Complex Incident Management Team – will arrive today for inbriefing, and will assume command of the fire at 0600, tomorrow, June 19.

The South Fork Fire was discovered at 9 a.m., Monday, June 17, 2024; it is burning on Mescalero Tribal land, US Forest Service land and within the areas surrounding Ruidoso. Yesterday fire growth was rapid with extreme fire behavior and long-range spotting and intense heat with plume domination may occur this afternoon and evening. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
RESOURCES: The fire is managed by a Type 3 Incident Commander, with resources from agencies including BIA, Mescalero, Forest Service, Lincoln County, Otero County, Village of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Forestry Division. Complex Incident Management (CIM) Team arriving at 1pm today. Dozers, heavy equipment and engines are responding from a number of tribal, state and federal agencies. Additional resources on order.

Weather: Todays high will be near 87 and southwest winds 5-15 mph. Near critical fire weather expected in the area today.
Smoke: Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Evacuations / Closures: Red Cross has reported 270 individuals checked in to shelters in Roswell, and 120 in Capitan. Further evacuation numbers will be released once an approximate count has been generated. Village of Ruidoso is closed for mandatory evacuation. Roads are now closed into town. Persons are requested to stay away from the area.

Shelters:
ENMU-R Gymnasium
52 B University Blvd

Church on the Move
901 W. Brasher

NMMI Godfrey Center
101 W. College

NM Dream Center
2700 W. Second Street

ENM Fairgrounds
RVs and Large Animals
2500 SE Main

Roswell Convention Center
900 N. Main

Roswell Aquatic Center
1500 W. College

Mescalero Evacuations: The Tribe’s evacuation center for Reservation residents is at the Community Center Gymnasium.
Community Resources: Emergency Operations Center is now operational. For information or assistance regarding the South Fork Fire or other emergencies, please call 575-258-6900.
Pets to Humane Society of Lincoln County: Address: 25962 US-70, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Social Media/ Internet:
Incident Map URL: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=e2c6d99f914c44cbb18b75e73beef035
More information about shelters and evacuations can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/villageofruidoso
https://www.facebook.com/mescaleroapachetribe

Acres: 13,921 estimated per 11:40 p.m. IR Flight, 6/17
Discovery Date/ Time: June 17, 2024; 9 a.m.
Cause: Under investigation
Location: Rio Ruidoso, west of the Upper Canyon area of Ruidoso
Ownership: Tribal
Structure Threat: Multiple structures threatened; approximately 500 structures lost
Resources: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue, US Forest Service, multiple aviation assets, local resources, a Complex Incident Management Team is on order for Tuesday. June 18.
Containment: 0%
Fuels: Mixed conifer


Salt Fire
Location: Mescalero Reservation, Otero County, Southwest of Ruidoso
Size: 4,876 acres estimated
Containment: 0%
Fire Activity: The Salt Fire’s progression slowed somewhat during the night. The fire is creeping through difficult, mountainous terrain south of Ruidoso. Aircraft will be able to identify the spots closest to Ruidoso Downs and will seek to perform air attack today.

Evacuations: Evacuation orders will remain in effect for: Chatto Bluff, Apache Summit, Fantasy Lane, homes along Highway 70 from Highway 244 to the east Reservation line, Bear Canyon, and Snow Canyon.
Weather: 75 degrees, 15% humidity. Winds from the north at 9 mph. Todays high will be near 87 and southwest winds 5-15 mph.

WELCOME TO OUR SACRED LANDS. The Mescalero Apache Tribe, located in South Central New Mexico, welcom

06/18/2024

We have just received some information from the overnight efforts on the South Fork and Salt Fires. It is as follows:

South Fork
13,921 acres
0% containment

Salt Fire
4,876 acres
0% containment

The Complex Team will be arriving this afternoon to assume command of the fire.

We are expecting weather conditions similar to yesterday's. The wind is forecasted to be 15-20 MPH with relative humidities in the single digits.

There will be massive air attacks today and dozer lines are being cut.

We will keep you posted here and you can also see updates at Ruidoso-NM.gov. You can also tune into 1490 AM for updates.

06/18/2024

UPDATE AND EVACUATION INFORMATION:
The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on wildfires that are requiring the attention of tribal, federal, state, and local resources in New Mexico. The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire are burning on Mescalero tribal land, US Forest Service land, and the area surrounding Ruidoso. Both fires are being managed by Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Complex Incident Management Teams are on order.


South Fork Fire

Update: The South Fork Fire is currently estimated at 5,252 acres and zero percent containment. Fire activity is expected throughout the night due to winds and low relative humidity. Multiple structures are under threat, and unknown number of structures have been lost. 10 Type-1 Hotshot crews are on scene or en route. Tomorrow the incident will be transferred to a Complex Incident Management Team.
The South Fork Fire was discovered at 9 a.m., Monday, June 17, 2024; it is burning on Mescalero Tribal land, US Forest Service land and within the areas surrounding Ruidoso. Fire growth has been rapid with extreme fire behavior. Long range spotting and intense heat with plume domination. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Weather: 79 degrees with 11% humidity, winds from the southwest at 18 mph / gusts up to 25 mph. Tonight: low around 58. Southwest wind 15 - 20 mph decreasing to 10-15 mph after midnight. Tomorrow: sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest winds 10-15 mph.
Smoke: Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Evacuations / Closures: Village of Ruidoso is under mandatory evacuation. US 70 is closed from mm 249 (intersection NM 244), 4 miles east of Mescalero, to mm 258, 2 miles east of Carrizo. The only available evacuation route is on Sudderth to Highway 70, leading out to Roswell.
An Evacuation Center at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell is available at 52 University Blvd, Roswell, NM 88203 gym. People with livestock and RVs can head to the Eastern New Mexico state fairgrounds at 2500 SE Main St, Roswell, NM 88203.
Community Resources: Emergency Operations Center is now operational. For information or assistance regarding the South Fork Fire or other emergencies, please call 575-258-6900.
Residents and visitors who want to voluntarily evacuate can now seek shelter at Capitan High School at 519 Smokey Bear Blvd., Capitan, NM 88316. The Ruidoso Convention Center is not taking any more evacuations, and those that are there will shelter in place should the status at the Convention Center change.
Pets to Humane Society of Lincoln County: Address: 25962 US-70, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Mescalero Evacuations: The Tribe’s evacuation center for Reservation residents is at the Community Center Gymnasium.
Incident Map URL: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=e2c6d99f914c44cbb18b75e73beef035
More information about shelters and evacuations can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/villageofruidoso
https://www.facebook.com/mescaleroapachetribe

Shelters:
Inn of the Mountain Gods, for tribal or non-tribal persons --
287 Carrizo Canyon Rd., Ruidoso NM

In Roswell:
ENMU-R Gymnasium
52 B University Blvd

Church on the Move
901 W. Brasher

NMMI Godfrey Center
101 W. College

NM Dream Center
2700 W. Second Street

ENM Fairgrounds
RVs and Large Animals
2500 SE Main

Roswell Convention Center
900 N. Main

Roswell Aquatic Center
1500 W. College

--
Acres: 5,252 estimated
Start Date/ Time: June 17, 2024; 9 a.m.
Cause: Under investigation
Location: Rio Ruidoso, west of the Upper Canyon area of Ruidoso
Ownership: Tribal
Structure Threat: Multiple structures threatened; unknown structures lost
Resources: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue, US Forest Service, multiple aviation assets, local resources, a Complex Incident Management Team is on order for Tuesday. June 18.
Containment: 0%
Fuels: Mixed conifer

# #

Salt Fire
Location: Mescalero Reservation, Otero County, Southwest of Ruidoso
Size: 2,815 acres
Containment: 0%
Resources: BIA, Mescalero, US Forest Service, multiple aviation assets
Fire Activity: Active
Evacuations: Evacuation orders will remain in effect overnight for: Chatto Bluff, Apache Summit, Fantasy Lane, homes along Highway 70 from Highway 244 to the east Reservation line, Bear Canyon, and Snow Canyon.
Weather: 79 degrees with 11% humidity, winds from the southwest at 18 mph / gusts up to 25 mph. Tonight: low around 58. Southwest wind 15 - 20 mph decreasing to 10-15 mph after midnight. Tomorrow: sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest winds 10-15 mph.

WELCOME TO OUR SACRED LANDS. The Mescalero Apache Tribe, located in South Central New Mexico, welcom

06/18/2024

IMMEDIATE MANDATORY "GO" EVACUATION FOR THE VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO - GO NOW!! An emergency mandatory GO evacuation has been issued for the ENTIRE Village of Ruidoso. Please do not try to gather belongings or protect your home - GO NOW.
Both Highway 48 and Highway 70 at Apache Summit are closed so the only route for evacuation is on Sudderth to Highway 70 and out to Roswell.

If you can get there safely, an Evacuation Center at Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center is available for ANYONE, Tribal or non-tribal, they are gearing up for evacuees according to the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Address: 287 Carrizo Canyon Rd, Mescalero, NM

An evacuation center is also available at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell gym at 52 University Blvd, Roswell, NM 88203. People with livestock and RVs can head to the Eastern New Mexico state fairgrounds at 2500 SE Main St, Roswell, NM 88203.

PNM has de-energized parts of the village of Ruidoso. PNM will continue to make regular updates on social channels and updates can also be found at outagemap.pnm.com.

Resources and updates available via:
https://www.facebook.com/villageofruidoso/
https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire
https://share.watchduty.org/i/22124

06/18/2024

FIRE UPDATE 🔥 The South Fork Fire continues to burn in Ruidoso. As of 9 PM Central, the fire has burned 4,156 acres. The whole community of Ruidoso is being asked to evacuate NOW.

06/18/2024

The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on wildfires that are requiring the attention of tribal, federal, state, and local resources in New Mexico. The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire are burning on Mescalero tribal land, near Ruidoso. Both fires are being managed by Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue and Bureau of Indian Affairs. A Complex Incident Management Team is on order.


South Fork Fire

Acres: 360 estimated
Start Date/ Time: June 17, 2024; 9 a.m.
Cause: Under investigation
Location: Rio Ruidoso, west of the Upper Canyon area of Ruidoso
Ownership: Tribal
Structure Threat: Multiple structures threatened; unknown structures lost
Resources: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue, US Forest Service, multiple aviation assets, Complex Incident Management Team on order.
Containment: 0%
Fuels: Mixed conifer
--
Date/Time/ Update: The South Fork Fire was discovered at 9 a.m., Monday, June 17, 2024; it is located on tribal land along the Rio Ruidoso near Ruidoso, NM. Fuel types in the area include mixed conifer. Multiple structures are under threat, with an unknown number of structures lost. Evacuations being issued by the Village of Ruidoso. Fire growth has been rapid with extreme fire behavior. Long range spotting and intense heat with plume domination. The fire is estimated at 360 acres with zero percent containment. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Operations: Currently, the fire is being managed by Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue, but the fire will be transferred tomorrow to a Complex Incident Management Team. Air resources have been performing drops throughout the afternoon. Multiple resources are responding to the nearby neighborhoods to perform structure protection.
Weather: Temperature is 82 degrees, with humidity at 8% and winds from the southwest at 23 mph / gusts to 30 mph. Tonight: Smoke effects. Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Southwest wind 15 - 20 mph decreasing to 10-15 mph after midnight. Tomorrow: sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest winds 10-15 mph.
Smoke: Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Evacuations / Closures: Currently evacuating Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, Ponderosa, Alpine Village, Cedar Creek. Unknown numbers of residents evacuated at this time. “SET” status for West Gavilan, Sun Valley, Sierra Vista, Villa Madonna, Ski Sun Road, and areas west of HWY 48.
Residents are directed to evacuate to the Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345. The Mescalero Apache Tribe’s evacuation center for Reservation residents is at the Community Center Gymnasium.


Salt Fire

Location: Mescalero Reservation, Otero County, Southwest of Ruidoso
Size: 35 acres
Threats: Yes. Hwy 70 at Casinos and 244
Resources: BIA, Mescalero, Forest Service, multiple aviation assets
Fire Activity: Active
Evacuations: Apache Summit being evacuated
Weather: 89 Temp, 18 MPH, 10 %RH

Search for Current Fire and Smoke Conditions in a city, state or area.(e.g. "Seattle, WA", "Washington State", "Smith River, CA")

06/15/2024

Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks, La Cueva adventure.

06/08/2024

The final flight of Virgin Galactic's Unity. Today at Spaceport America. Photos by Jewel Dominguez.

06/07/2024

Here come the rubber duckies! Bert would be proud.

The Tularosa Arts and History Council (TAHC) is hosting the second annual Rubber Duck Race on Saturday, June 8. Races and festivities will all be centered around the heart of Tularosa’s …

06/07/2024

The sun is setting on RECA opportunity

A federal program to apologize for the harms of radiation exposure is expiring and people waiting for RECA inclusion are out of time.

06/06/2024

Area community newspapers march on.

In the early 1900s, attorney and publisher Carl Magee moved to New Mexico with his wife in the hopes of alleviating her consumption. While here, he bought one newspaper from Senator A. B. Fall. …

05/30/2024

Almost time to party with our cousins to the south!

The Western New Mexico University signature cultural event, ¡Fiesta Latina!, returns to the Silver City campus June 6-9.

05/27/2024

Talk a walk on Encantata Street

“Here’s to all literature, the power of women’s stories and our ancestors all those women who have come before our mothers.” – Author Denise Chávez

05/24/2024

Fabulous!

Borderlands Ballet Company’s 2024 production of the classic ballet, Coppélia, is about to open in Las Cruces. If you haven’t heard of the comic ballet, …

05/17/2024

Also tonight, 7 p.m., May 17 at Otero Arts in Alamogordo.

The chamber music ensemble Camerata del Sol will perform Johannes Brahms’ String Sextet Op. 18, free to the public, in El Paso and Las Cruces this month. Camerata del Sol was founded in …

05/16/2024

A visit to the Pitchfork Ranch.

Off the grid at Pitchfork Ranch A. Thomas Cole and his wife, Lucinda, have been putting their lives into the land. Upon retirement, they bought an 11,393-acre cattle ranch in 2003 with plans to …

05/15/2024

Sun sets on Silver City, May 14

05/13/2024

Let us know if you saw them too!

Seems the Northern Lights wanted to show up and celebrate our graduates too✨🎉

05/08/2024

What's in "that" building in Alamogordo?

Lydia Emmanuel Productions is hosting an art exhibition by Stockholm based artist William Reed at the historic dome shaped building, at 1901 Tenth St., Alamogordo. The artist has spent the month of …

05/07/2024

At Downtown Blues Coffee Wednesday ya'll.

When Bill Oliver was a kid, he couldn’t decide between Smokey Bear and Chuck Berry so instead of trying to choose, he just did a little of both. “They were my heroes early on,” …

05/01/2024

Opera this weekend, check it out!

When Jorge Martinez-Rios started with music as a child, he had no use for opera. But then, as a musician, he started hearing it. “As soon as I started listening – one aria and …

04/24/2024

People fighting for their health in southern New Mexico!

New Mexico-based filmmaker Lois Lipman’s documentary, “First We Bombed New Mexico,” was a recent hit at the ninth annual Las Cruces International Film Festival, telling the stories …

04/22/2024

Happy Earth Day!